BLS Reports Slight Decline in Construction Industry Union Representation in 2022

January 20, 2023

Union representation rates in the construction industry fell slightly in 2022, decreasing to 12.4%, with 1,076,000 of the 8,671,000 workers “represented” by unions, down from 13.6% in 2021 (1,112, 000 of the 8,157,000 employed).  Among those 1,076,000 represented by unions, 1,019,000 were classified as union members, leaving some 57,000 (roughly 5%) of the remainder classified as represented by unions (covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) but not reported as union members.

In 2021, 1,024,000 of the 1,112,000 represented by unions were classified as members, leaving some 88,000 (some 8%) classified as represented or covered by a CBA, but not counted as union members – as judged by responses to the BLS Current Population Survey questions that are the basis of the annual report. (Union Members – 2022, USDL-23-0071, January 19, 2023).

According to the BLS report, median weekly earnings among all full-time wage and salary workers in the construction industry came to $1,007 in 2022, up from $966 the year before. In 2022, union members were credited with $1,319 per week, as compared with $1,306 for those non-members covered by a labor contract, and $976 per week for non-union workers.  In 2021, the amounts were: $966 for all workers; $1,344 for union members; $1,322 for non-members covered by a CBA; and $922 for non-union workers.

MCAA Note – The differential between union membership and union representation rates may reflect the impact and change in right-to-work laws in any state.  BLS data on union membership rates over the years is available on a state-by-state basis on the BLS website. The state data reflects total union membership rates and is not broken down by public or private sectors or by industry.

Related Articles
In today's ever-changing MEP industry, innovation is key. The MEP Innovation Conference is the go-to event for professionals looking to stay up-to-date. Amidst the conference's buzz, it's the contractors' practical experiences and insights that lead the way to innovation. We'll explore how contractor case studies drive progress and collaboration among peers, making this event a hub for groundbreaking solutions in the construction industry for MEP contractors. Join us in sunny Orlando, Florida, from January 29 – 31, as we bring together the best innovators in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing industry. Register today!…
All 2023 internship grant applications must be submitted by January 31, 2024. Part 1 internship grant applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2+ interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit a Part 2 internship grant for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. Keep in mind, the more interns you submit for Part 1, the more you’ll have eligible for Part 2 once they graduate. We want to hear about ALL of your interns, not just 2!…
Seeking consistent, repeatable pipe cuts, Air Masters Corporation (now Integrated Facility Services) developed a solution combining existing components and custom-designed software. MCAA’s CNC Pipe Fabricator provides highlights of the cost-effective solution to help others interested in pursuing a similar project. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.…
MCAA member NEFCO, a premier specialty supply partner to the professional construction trades, has announced its acquisition of FASCO, a Houston-based specialty construction supply distributor. This strategic move marks NEFCO’s tenth acquisition since 2017 and expands its branch network to 37 locations, including two locations in Texas – Dallas and Houston – reinforcing its commitment to be the single best partner to contractors wherever they build.…
Load More...